The Bonifacio Golf Estate is a magnificent 350-acre security-controlled estate located a few minutes out of Bonifacio facing the strangely beautiful Cavallo, Piana, and Lavezzi islands in the Bonifacio straights between Corsica and Sardinia: all the villas in the estate have awesome sea views and are conceived to be in perfect harmony with the stunning landscape.

The estate comprises a splendid 18-hole 6 000-meter golf course: the fairways vary in length, some are quite difficult, and the immaculately-tended greens are quite fast; the beauty and the challenge of the course have lead to its high rating.

The villas in the estate have been architect-designed to be perfect for summer living: key features are a large open living area and an expansive deck terrace with sea views, linked to a beautiful private swimming pool.

Villa Grande Terrasse is a luxurious villa (4000SF) constructed in red cedar and set in landscaped gardens within about an acre of natural "maquis-type" grounds in the highest section of the estate near to the larger beach: sweeping views of the golf course, the sea, the Lavezzi and Cavallo islands, and Sardinia; the club house is less than five minutes away; five-minute walk to the beach.

Entry to the actual property is either by car or on foot: by a long driveway leading to covered parking for several cars and steps to the front door; through a Japanese-style garden with steps up to the vast decking area.

The villa comprises an entry hall open plan to an extensive living area with high ceiling and exposed beams.

At one end, very beautiful half-concealed fully-equipped kitchen (250SF) with wood-panelled breakfast bar; formal dining area for 8 people; living area (800SF) with generous seating area in front of a fireplace and sliding glass doors to the 4000SF central decking area with panoramic sea views.

At the far end of the living area: cloakroom; shower bathroom; two twin or double bedrooms, each with terrace access; independent bathroom; twin or double bedroom (300SF) with terrace access.

Stairs to the master bedroom suite: 300SF double bedroom with wood floor, raised bed, and white-painted beams; bathroom with twin vanities, jet shower, separate WC, and bidet; large private terrace with magnificent sea views.

Independent pavilion linked to the main villa by a covered walkway: two twin or double bedrooms, shower bathroom and separate WC; dressing room.

The décor is extremely attractive: white-tiled floors on the ground floor; white and pale yellow walls on each floor; high ceilings with white beams; designer lighting, and a host of decorative refinements.

The furnishings are very high quality contemporary furniture, good artwork, and many interesting artefacts: high quality modern art, objets d'art, fine collectables, and a host of designer features all combining to create a wonderful atmosphere with light, colour, and beauty everywhere.

All of the rooms are light and airy with plenty of colour and most have splendid sea views.

The villa is superbly equipped with very good quality dinnerware, cutlery and glasses as well as fine household linen and bathrobes; satellite TV, stereo system with giant speakers in the living room and master bedroom, barbecue, teak garden furniture and good alarm system are among the refinements of this elegant summer home.

The villas in the estate all have basic cleaning services - usually 2-3 hours a day, six days a week; however, it is slightly difficult to organise a dedicated cook or chef - certainly arrangements would have to be made well in advance.

Guests usually bring their own cook, cook themselves, enjoy dining in the clubhouse restaurant, have food brought in, or go out to one of the Bonifacio restauarants.

The land around the villa and the garden is mainly low maquis-type vegetation - olive trees, arbousiers, and myrtilles - and the villa is perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape: the central decking area comprises a raised dining area for up to 16 people, large Jacuzzi, shower, and a splendid 45-foot swimming pool.

The estate is about ten minutes drive from the iconic citadel town of Bonifacio perched high on the white and rose-coloured cliffs: in the old town, there are two very attractive and inexpensive restaurants serving very good Corsican cuisine and wines; at the foot of the town, the small stylish port offers a choice of attractive quayside restaurants, cafés, bars, and music venues for the young - and the young at heart.

The estate has long been a refuge for the world's decision makers, presidents, and showbiz people - 3le gratin" as the French call them - who wanted a quiet and discreet venue.

It is 2-3 hours from major European capitals: only about 25 minutes from Corsica's Figari airport - ideal for private planes and, in the season commercial flights - and 45 minutes from Porto Vecchio's car ferry port.

In fact, those "in the know" have long thought of Corsica as Europe's Caribbean - summer starts late March and ends early October: naturally then, demand for these extraordinary houses is high - very high - and we are only able to offer a small selection to our clients each year.

Here on can truly relax and spend cherished moments with a loved one or all the family, idly discuss matters of import around the swimming pool, swim in the warm emerald sea, and sail - or even play golf.

Villa la Grande Terrasee is an exceptional property - it is certainly a wonderful villa for a large group wanting minimalistic luxury, very spacious surroundings, easy access to the clubhouse and the beaches, and an easy drive to the nightlife of Bonifacio.